Voice or Resonance Disorders:

Voice disorders are exemplified by speech output that is too high or too low in pitch, monotone too loud or soft, harsh, hoarse, or breathy. An individual may or may not have a physiological problem with their vocal cords, contributing to or resulting in the altered voice quality. There is also a problem when the speaker experiences pain or discomfort when speaking or singing. Resonance disorders are exemplified by speech output that is hypernasal (too much air released through the nose) or hyponasal (the way you sound with a bad cold / stuffed up nose!)

VIDEOSTROBOSCOPY:

Stroboscopy provides key information needed in the investigation of voice disorders by pinpointing the underlying problem or problems with vocal fold vibration so treatment can be directed appropriately. Stroboscopy substantially improves the sensitivity of subtle laryngeal diagnoses over other techniques - such as rigid or flexible transnasal laryngoscopy - with continuous light sources. While a laryngoscopy helps identify problems of a general nature, a videostroboscopy provides a more detailed view and can reveal problems with the vocal cords such as lesions or vibratory irregularities.

  How it works

Stroboscopy uses a flashing light to create a slow motion view of vocal fold vibration. Because vocal fold vibration is so fast, the "slow motion" view is actually derived from many successive vibration cycles. This special viewing allows the voice care team to evaluate each vocal fold's vibration properties during the different phases of the vocal fold's vibration cycle, allowing for clear identification of smaller abnormalities in vocal fold movement that are unable to be observed using any other technique.

Stroboscopy is highly recommended when a voice disorder is due to abnormalities that affect vocal fold vibration. These abnormalities span the spectrum of disorders, such as:

     - vocal fold scarring
     - a mass (e.g. cyst, polyp, nodule)
     - incomplete closure of the vocal folds
     - abnormal vocal fold vibration
     - asymmetrical or uneven movement of the vocal cords

Fees for Voice Assessment

   A.   Full Voice Assessment   $ 425.00

      • Videostroboscopic examination
      • Instrumental analysis with the visipitch
      • Direct, non-instrumental voice assessment with the Speech-Language Pathologist
      • Written voice report and recommendations

   B.    Non Instrumental Voice Assessment    $ 250.00

   C.    Videostroboscopy Examination only    $ 175.00

      • Videostroboscopic examination
      • Written report of videostroboscopy findings

Call us direct at (905) 637-5522 or email at slhunter@bellnet.ca